Current Mass Spectrometric Methods in Organic Chemistry

<p> This review is intended to provide an outline of the basic principles of operation and current developments of mass spectrometric techniques applicable to the field of organic chemistry. New ionization techniques, particu.larly useful for the analysis of polar and high molecular weight materials, introduced during the past few years are reported together with mo re traditional methods of ion formation. Various mass analyzers, suitable for single or multiple mass identification processes are described. </p> <p> Applications of mass spectrometry to certain classes of organic compounds, such as steroids, alkaloids, carbohydrates and porphyrins are illustrated with examples. </p> <p> All spectral data reported here have been obtained in the authors' laboratory. </p>